Almost 14,000 assaults were recorded against NHS staff in Scotland between April 2022 and July 2023, the Scottish Conservatives can reveal today.
The findings – which were uncovered following Freedom of Information requests by the party – have been described as “shocking and shameful” by shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane, who is also a GP.
A total of 13,792 assaults on NHS staff were recorded in the 15-month period – though the true total is almost certainly far higher, as the country’s largest health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, did not provide data.
Almost 40 per cent of the assaults were recorded in a single health board – NHS Grampian – where over 5,000 attacks on staff took place.
The responses also highlight the “deeply alarming” lack of criminal charges being brought against those who carried out the “deplorable and sickening” assaults, with only 775 people charged under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act. That figure also covers police officers and firefighters, indicating that even fewer assaults on NHS workers were recorded.
The Scottish Conservatives have pledged to double the maximum sentence for anyone who assaults an emergency worker.
Dr Sandesh Gulhane says the “discredited and distracted” SNP health secretary Michael Matheson must urgently address the findings ahead of the winter period in Scotland’s NHS, where the pressures faced by staff and patients will only intensify.
He urged Mr Matheson, or his successor, to outline a plan to ensure all of the country’s health boards have the resources they need to protect “dedicated” staff.
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP said: “The number of assaults recorded against dedicated NHS workers in such a short period of time is shocking and shameful. My thoughts are with my colleagues who have been on the receiving end of these deplorable and sickening assaults.
“It’s intolerable for any NHS employee to be assaulted in the workplace, and there must be a zero-tolerance attitude towards this sort of behaviour.
“With NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde failing to provide figures, the true tally will be much higher.
“It is also deeply alarming that the SNP’s weak approach to justice means very few people are getting charged for these assaults.
“Many individuals clearly sense they can get away with assaulting NHS workers. That must change, which is why the Scottish Conservatives have promised to double the maximum jail sentence for those who assault emergency workers.
“These are the sort of issues that our discredited SNP health secretary Michael Matheson needs to focus on – yet, instead, he’s distracted by the scandal over his iPad expenses claim and crucial messaging surrounding the winter period is being completely lost.
“Whether he does the right thing and resigns, or clings on, the SNP must urgently outline a plan which will guarantee NHS boards across the country have the resources they need to protect their staff and reduce the number of assaults against them.”
Notes:
From April 2022 to July 2023, 13,792 assaults against NHS staff were recorded. However, only 775 people (5% of total assaults) were charged under the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 over roughly the same period (April 2022-August 2023). This figure will cover police officers and firefighters as well, indicating that even fewer assaults on NHS workers were recorded. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde also failed to hand over data, meaning the total number of assaults is likely much higher. (Scottish Conservative FOI, 30 November 2023, Available on Request; Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005, 24 June 2013, link).
NHS Grampian recorded over 5,000 assaults, making up over a third of all assaults. Grampian recorded 5,180 assaults, 38% of total assaults. (Scottish Conservative FOI, 30 November 2023, Available on Request).
The Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 made it an offence to assault or impede someone who provides emergency services. Those found guilty can face up to a year in jail. (Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005, 24 June 2013, link).